UNIDISC ENTERS INTO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH DEP AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA

MONTREAL, Sept. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - Unidisc Music, Quebec's foremost independent music company and DEP Distribution Exclusive Ltée (DEP) are delighted to announce that they have entered into a fully integrated strategic partnership along with Universal Music Canada (UMC), the country's leading music company. The new partnership sees Unidisc acquire significant equity in DEP.  The announcement was made today by George Cucuzzella, President of Unidisc Music Inc., Maurice Courtois, President and Founder of DEP Distribution Exclusive Ltée and Randy Lennox, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada.

"George Cucuzzella has built Unidisc into a forward thinking and successful music company and we are thrilled to be working alongside his entire team," commented Lennox.  "This partnership between our companies will continue to strengthen Universal's commitment to the Quebec marketplace and will allow Unidisc and DEP to fully benefit from this strategic alliance.

Unidisc is best know for its vast master and publishing catalogues and  distribution facilities. Unidisc Music  is one of Canada's largest independent record labels and is based out of Pointe-Claire, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal.

Said Cucuzzella:  "We are extremely proud to be associated with Universal Music Canada, in our plan to provide renewed energy and an opportunity of continued growth of DEP.  Through this new partnership, we intend to strengthen DEP's position as a market leader by adding to their standards of quality and instilling increased levels of excitement."

DEP, one of the leading CD and DVD distributors in Quebec, has been established in Montreal since 1996. With sales of close to $400 million since its founding, the company has positioned itself strongly in the market by signing major agreements with high-profile partners. It has also won three Félix awards as Distributor of the Year.

Added Courtois:  "George Cucuzzella has been a long-time leading force in our industry and I'm thrilled that DEP, along with Universal Music Canada has partnered with Unidisc.  With George's expertise and vision combined with the leadership of Randy Lennox and the Universal team, DEP will continue to thrive for many years to come by offering artists a unique environment from which to succeed both domestically and internationally.

About Unidisc Music Inc.

Unidisc Music founded in the 70's, is a diversified music company with interests in music publishing, copyright and distribution. Their head office is located in Pointe Claire Quebec.

About DEP

DEP Distribution Exclusive Ltée was founded in 1996 and is a Montreal based distribution and marketing company of entertainment products. Their head office is in Montreal.

About Universal Music Canada

Universal Music Canada, a unit of Universal Music Group, is Canada's leading music organization.  For further information on Universal Music Canada, please visit www.getmusic.ca

For further information:

Source :DEP, 514.278-2259

Media relations: Roy & Turner Communications, 514.844-9678